Loading module configured to accommodate two vehicles

ABSTRACT

A loading module is configured to accommodate at least two vehicles. The loading module comprises a lower loading plate, an upper loading plate and a front device which connects the two loading plates. Two hydraulic cylinders are provided at a respective side of the loading plates and are arranged to enable displacement of the upper loading plate between a lower position and an upper position. The two hydraulic cylinders extend in a direction which together with the lower loading plate forms an acute angle having the tip directed towards the forward end when the upper loading plate is located in the lower and the upper position.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention refers to a loading module configured toaccommodate two vehicles, or at least two vehicles, preferablysnowmobiles. In particular, the present invention refers to a loadingmodule according to the preamble of claim 1.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

US 2008/0014068 discloses a device for accommodating two vehicles, forinstance snowmobiles, positioned above each other. The device isintended to be positioned on a pickup or any other kind of vehicles. Thedevice comprises two front uprights and two rear uprights extendingupwardly from a lower loading plate. An upper loading plate is rotatablyattached to the front uprights and slidable on the rear uprights betweenan upper position and a lower position. The upper loading plate can beraised upwardly and lowered by means of a winch.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,880,250 discloses a boat trailer having an upper loadingplate and a lower loading plate. The upper loading plate is rotatablyattached to a forward structure which extends upwardly from the lowerloading plate. The upper loading plate may be lowered for receiving forinstance a boat, see FIGS. 1 to 7. When the upper loading plate with theboat has been returned to an upper position a vehicle can be driven inonto the lower loading plate of the trailer.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,749,317 discloses a trailer having a fixed devicecomprising a lower loading plate for a vehicle and an upper loadingplate for another vehicle. The upper loading plate is rotatably attachedonto a frame around an axis located behind the front end of the upperloading plate. The trailer also comprises a ramp which can be used forloading the vehicles onto the lower loading plate and onto the upperloading plate. In addition, the ramp may be raised against the upperloading plate and may be locked to the upper loading plate when this islocated in the upper position.

GB-711 289 discloses a larger trailer for receiving a plurality of cars,such as two cars on a lower loading plate and two on an upper loadingplate. The trailer comprises at least hydraulic cylinder fordisplacement of the upper loading plate between a lower position and anupper position.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is to provide a loading module whichin an easy manner may accommodate two vehicles and which can bepositioned on a trailer, a platform and on the ground, as aself-supporting unit. The loading module includes an uncomplicatedstructure and a low weight in order to enable positioning on trailers orother vehicles which do not require specific driving permissions.

This object is achieved by the loading module initially defined which ischaracterized in that the two hydraulic cylinders extend in a directionwhich together with the lower loading plate forms an acute angle havingthe tip directed towards the forward end when the upper loading plate islocated in the lower position and in the upper position.

By providing the hydraulic cylinders in such a way a sufficient liftingforce may be achieved for lifting the upper loading plate from the lowerposition to the upper position when the first vehicle is located on theupper loading plate, and also for lowering the upper loading plate withthe second vehicle from the upper position to the lower position. Inaddition to the front device, the two hydraulic cylinders arranged inthis manner are sufficient for providing said displacement of the upperloading plate. No additional rods or support devices are necessary forlifting the loading plate with the second vehicle to the upper position.In such a way the loading module achieves an uncomplicated design. Dueto the fact that relatively few parts are needed for providing thelifting force, the total weight of the loading module is low.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the acute angle is greaterwhen the upper loading plate is located in the upper position than whenthe upper loading plate is located in the lower position.Advantageously, the acute angle may lie in the interval 30-60°, forinstance 40-60°, when the upper loading plate is located in the upperposition. Such an acute angle ensures a sufficient lifting force.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, each hydrauliccylinder is rotatably attached to the lower loading plate at a firstattachment point and rotatably attached to the upper loading plate at asecond attachment point. The shortest distance from the first attachmentpoint to a plane, which extends perpendicularly to the lower loadingplate at the forward end of the lower loading plate, is shorter than theshortest distance from the second attachment point to said plane.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the upper loadingplate is rotatably attached to the front device, wherein saiddisplacement is a rotary movement.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the upper loadingplate extends in the upper position substantially in parallel with thelower loading plate. In such a way, an advantageous horizontal, orsubstantially horizontal, position for the vehicle that is positioned onthe upper loading plate is obtained. Such a horizontal position isessential for the security during driving.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the loading modulecomprises a ramp which has a rear end and a forward end that isrotatably connected to the lower loading plate at the rear end of thelower loading plate. Such a ramp may be used for driving the firstvehicle onto the lower loading plate. Advantageously, the upper loadingplate has such a length that the rear end of the upper loading plate islocated at the rear end of the lower loading plate when the upperloading plate is located in the lower position. In such a way, the rampmay be used also for driving the second vehicle onto the upper loadingplate.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the ramp isrotatable between a lowered position and a raised position. The ramp maythen be configured in such a way that the rear end rests against theground in the lowered position. Advantageously, the loading module isconfigured in such a way that the ramp in the lowered position forms anangle between a ground plane, which angle is less than 15°, preferablyless than or equal to 10°. Such a relatively small angle ensures thatfor instance a snowmobile may be driven onto the ramp and especiallyonto the upper loading plate on its own without using any towing device.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the upper loadingplate rests against at least one support surface of the ramp, forinstance in the form of a projection of the ramp, when the upper loadingplate is located in the upper position and the ramp is located in theraised position. In such a way, the ramp offers a support for the upperloading plate when this is located in the upper position. Consequently,no force supply to the hydraulic cylinders is needed when the ramp israised.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the loading modulecomprises a lock member, which is arranged to enable locking of the rampat the upper loading plate when this is located in the upper positionand the ramp is located in the raised position. By means of such alocking member, unallowable access to the two vehicles accommodated inthe loading module is prevented, for instance during storing when theloading module is positioned on the ground.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the ramp comprisestwo parallel longitudinal plate elements which extend from the forwardend to the rear end and which are connected to each other by means of aplurality of transversal rods. Such longitudinal plate elements aresuitable for receiving wheels of a wheel vehicle and slide skies of asnowmobile. The transversal rods are especially suitable when the twovehicles are snowmobiles since the drive belt of the snowmobile may thenobtain a secure grip on the transversal rods. A snowmobile may thuseasily be driven along the ramp by its own.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, each of the lowerloading plate and the upper loading plate comprises two parallellongitudinal plate elements, which extend from the forward end to therear end and which are connected to each other by means of a pluralityof transversal rods. The upper loading plate and the lower loading platemay thus have the same design and consequently the same technicaladvantages as the ramp.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the transversal rodsare provided at a distance from each other, which is at least 20 cm andat the most 60 cm, for instance at least 30 cm and at the most 50 cm.Such a distance ensures that a drive belt of a snowmobile obtains asecure grip on the transversal rods.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, each longitudinalplate element comprises a longitudinal outer beam, a longitudinal innerbeam and a longitudinal plate between the outer beam and the inner beam,wherein the plate is lowered in relation to an upper end of the outerbeam and the inner beam. The transversal rods are attached to the innerbeam of the two longitudinal plate elements.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, a front device isfixedly attached to the lower loading module and extends upwardly fromthe forward end of the lower loading plate. Advantageously, the frontdevice may comprise a frame extending substantially perpendicularly fromthe lower loading plate. Furthermore, the front device may comprise atleast one support member extending obliquely from the lower loadingplate and connecting the frame and the lower loading plate.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the loading moduleis configured to be positioned on a trailer towed by a motor vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is now to be explained more closely through adescription of various embodiments and with reference to the drawingsattached hereto.

FIG. 1 discloses a side view of a loading module according to theinvention.

FIG. 2 discloses a side view of the loading module positioned on atrailer.

FIG. 3 discloses a plane view of an upper loading plate of the loadingmodule.

FIG. 4 discloses a plane view of a lower loading plate and a ramp of theloading module.

FIG. 5 discloses a cross-sectional view along the line V-V in FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 discloses a side view of the loading module positioned on atrailer and having two snowmobiles.

FIG. 7 discloses an end view of the loading module.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1, 2 and 6 disclose an embodiment of a loading module configuredfor accommodating two vehicles F₁ and F₂, which in the embodimentdisclosed are two snowmobiles. The loading module comprises a lowerloading plate 1 and an upper loading plate 2, which extend along alongitudinal direction L. The lower loading plate 1 has a forward end 1a and a rear end 1 b, and is configured to receive a first vehicle F₁.The lower loading plate 1 may have a length of 200-250 cm, for instance210 cm, along the longitudinal direction L. The upper loading plate 2has a forward end 2 a and a rear end 2 b, and is configured to receive asecond vehicle F₂. The upper loading plate 2 may have a length of350-400 cm, for instance 360 cm along the longitudinal direction L.

A front device 3 extends upwardly from the lower loading plate 1 andconnects the lower loading plate 1 with the upper loading plate 2. Thefront device 3 is fixedly attached to the lower loading plate 1 andextends upwardly from the forward end 1 a of the lower loading plate 1,for instance 130-140 cm from the lower loading plate 1. The front device3 is thus stationary in relation to the lower loading plate 1.

The front device 3 may comprise a frame 3 a, which extendsperpendicularly, or substantially perpendicularly, from the lowerloading plate 1. Furthermore, the front device 3 may comprise at leastone support member 3 b, which extends obliquely, or obliquely forwardly,from the lower loading plate 1, and connects the frame 3 a to the lowerloading plate 1.

Advantageously, the frame 3 a is a rectangular frame 3 a which extendsin parallel with a plane P₃ from the forward end 1 a of the lowerloading plate to the forward end 2 a of the upper loading plate 2.Preferably, this plane P₃ is essentially vertical when the loadingmodule is located in a normal position.

Lower and upper mean in this application that the lower loading plate 1is located below the upper loading plate 2 in the normal position. Theforward end 1 a, 2 a means the end that is forward in the longitudinaldirection L which corresponds to the normal transport direction of theloading module. Furthermore, the vehicles F₁, F₂ to be accommodated onthe loading module are driven onto the same from the rear end 1 b, 2 btowards the forward end 1 a, 2 a.

The front device 3 also comprises two support members 4 extending froman upper end of the front device 3 obliquely downwardly and rearwardly.In such a way, the front device 3 obtains a stable construction whichpermits secure support of the forward end 2 a of the upper loading plate2.

The loading module also comprises two hydraulic cylinders 8 and 9, whichare provided on a respective side of the lower loading plate 1 and theupper loading plate 2, see FIG. 7. The two hydraulic cylinders 8, 9 areconnected to a hydraulic pump 10 and enable displacement of the upperloading plate 2 between a lower position, see FIG. 2, which permitsmovement of the second vehicle F₂ to and from the upper loading plate 2,and an upper position which permits loading of the first vehicle F₁ toand from the lower loading plate 1. Each hydraulic cylinder 8, 9 isrotatably attached to the lower loading plate 1 at a first attachmentpoint 11 and rotatably attached to the upper loading plate 2 at a secondattachment point 12.

As can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 6, the upper loading plate 2 extends inthe upper position in parallel, or substantially in parallel, with thelower loading plate 1.

The two hydraulic cylinders 8 and 9 extend in a direction which togetherwith the lower loading plate 1, or an extension plane Pi for the lowerloading plate 1, forms an acute angle α having the tip directed towardsthe forward end 1 a when the upper loading plate 2 is located in thelower position and in the upper position. The extension plane P₁ isperpendicular, or substantially perpendicular to the plane P₃. The acuteangle α is greater when the upper loading plate 2 is located in theupper position than when the upper loading plate 2 is located in thelower position as can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2. The acute angle α maylie in the interval 30-60°, for instance 45-50°, when the upper loadingplate 2 is located in the upper position.

Each hydraulic cylinder comprises a piston 13 which is hydraulicallydisplaceable in a cylinder 14. The hydraulic cylinders 8, 9 may with theillustrated design be relatively weak, i.e. the diameter of the cylinder14 may be 4-6 cm, preferably about 5 cm. The diameter of the piston 13may be 3-5 cm, preferably about 4 cm.

The upper loading plate 2 is rotatably attached to the front device 3 bymeans of at least one rotary joint, for instance two or four rotaryjoints 15 so that the displacement of the upper plate 2 from the upperposition to the lower position and opposite is a rotary movement.

The loading module comprises a ramp 17 which has a rear end 17 b and aforward end 17 a which is rotatably attached to the lower loading plate1 at the rear end 1 b of the lower loading plate 1 by means of forinstance four rotary joints 18. The ramp 17 is rotatable between alowered position, see FIG. 2, when the rear end 17 b of the ramp 17rests against the ground, and a raised position, see FIGS. 1 and 6. Inorder to enable driving of the vehicles F₁ and F₂ onto the loadingmodule, it is important that the ramp 17 has a small inclination.Advantageously, the loading module is configured in such a way that theramp 17 in the lowered position forms an angle β with a ground plane.This angle may be less than 15°, preferably less than 10°, for instance8-10°. The ramp may have a length of 140-160 cm.

The ramp 17 also comprises one or several support surfaces, which forinstance may be provided on each of two projections 19 provided at arespective side of the ramp 17 in the proximity of the rear end 17 b.When the ramp 17 is located in the raised position and the upper loadingplate 1 is located in the upper position, the upper loading plate 1rests against the projections 19 as can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 6. Thesupport surface or support surfaces may also be formed by other elementsthan the disclosed projections 19 of the ramp 17, for instance the endsurface of the ramp 17.

Advantageously, the loading module also comprises at least a lock member20 which enables locking of the ramp 17 at the upper loading plate 2when this is located in the upper position and the ramp 17 is located inthe raised position, i.e. when the upper loading plate 2 rests againstthe support surface or as in the embodiment disclosed against theprojections 19. In such a way, the stability and the security is furtherimproved. Furthermore, it is possible to lock the loading module in theposition disclosed in FIG. 6 and in such a way prevent unallowableaccess to the vehicles F₁ and F₂.

Each of the ramp 17, the lower loading plate 1 and the upper loadingplate 2 comprises two parallel plate elements 30 which extend from theforward end 17 a, 1 a, 2 a to the rear end 17 b, 1 b, 2 b, see FIGS.3-5. The two plate elements 30 are connected to each other by means of aplurality of transversal rods 31. The rods 31 are advantageouslyprovided at a distance from each other, which is at least 20 cm and atthe most 60 cm. Such a distance permits that a drive belt of asnowmobile may grip the rods 31 and thus drive the snowmobile upwardlyonto the ramp 17 and upwardly onto the upper loading plate 2. The lengthof the rods 31, i.e. the distance between the two plate elements 30, ischosen so that a drive belt of a snowmobile of a normal kind may beaccommodated between the two plate elements 30.

Each longitudinal plate element 30 comprises a longitudinal outer beam32, a longitudinal inner beam 33 and a longitudinal plate 34 between theouter beam 32 and the inner beam 33. The inner beam 33 may be arectangular beam having a substantially square cross-section. The outerbeam 32 may be somewhat weaker and for instance also a rectangular beamhaving a rectangular cross-section as appears from FIG. 5. The abovementioned rotary joints 15 and/or 18 are advantageously attached to thefour beams 32, 33. As can be seen from FIG. 5, the plate 32 is loweredin relation to an upper end of the outer beam 32 and the inner beam 33.In such a way a path is created for the skies of a snowmobile so thatthe snowmobile is guided in a secure manner along the plate elements 30.The plate 34 is also advantageously lowered in relation to the upper endof the rods 31. That means that the skies of a snowmobile will be lessexposed to load than if the upper end of the rods 31 and the plates 34were in the same plane.

Advantageously, the loading module also comprises a front sheet 37provided at the forward end 2 a of the upper loading module 2. Thisfront sheet 37 prevents the vehicle F₂ from being driven or pulled tofar forwardly.

Furthermore, the loading module advantageously comprises a winch 38provided at the front device and arranged to enable pulling of a vehicleonto the upper loading plate 2 and also onto the lower loading plate 1.

The loading module may also comprise a control panel 39 provided at thefront device 3 and arranged to enable control and maneuvering of thehydraulic cylinders 8, 9 via the hydraulic pump 10 and of the winch 38.

The loading module may be positioned onto a trailer S as shown in FIG.2. The loading module may also be positioned on a platform of a suitabletruck, or on the ground and used for parking and/storing of the vehiclesF₁ and F₂.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed but may bevaried and modified within the scope of the following claims.

What is claimed is: 1.-17. (canceled)
 18. A loading module configured toaccommodate at least two vehicles, comprising a lower loading plate,which has a forward end and a rear end and is configured to receive afirst vehicle, an upper loading plate, which has a forward end and arear end and is configured to receive a second vehicle, a front device,which extends upwardly from the lower loading plate and connects thelower loading plate with the upper loading plate, and two hydrauliccylinders, which are provided on a respective side of the lower loadingplate and the upper loading plate and arranged to enable displacement ofthe upper loading plate between a lower position, which permits movementof the second vehicle to and from the upper loading plate, and an upperposition, which permits movement of the first vehicle to and from thelower loading plate, wherein the two hydraulic cylinders extend in adirection which together with the lower loading plate forms an acuteangle having a tip directed towards the forward end when the upperloading plate is located in the lower position and in the upperposition.
 19. The loading module according to claim 18, wherein theacute angle is greater when the upper loading plate is located in theupper position than when the upper loading plate is located in the lowerposition.
 20. The loading module according to claim 18, wherein theacute angle lies in an interval 30°-60° when the upper loading plate islocated in the upper position.
 21. The loading module according to claim18, wherein each hydraulic cylinder is rotatably attached to the lowerloading plate at a first attachment point and is rotatably attached tothe upper loading plate at a second attachment point.
 22. The loadingmodule according to claim 18, wherein the upper loading plate isrotatably attached to the front device and wherein said displacement isa rotary movement.
 23. The loading module according to claim 18, whereinthe upper loading plate in the upper position extends substantially inparallel with the lower loading plate.
 24. The loading module accordingto claim 18, wherein the loading module comprises a ramp which has arear end and a forward end that is rotatably connected to the lowerloading plate at the rear end of the lower loading plate.
 25. Theloading module according to claim 24, wherein the ramp is rotatablebetween a lowered position, when the rear end rests against the ground,and a raised position.
 26. The loading module according to claim 25,wherein the loading module is configured in such a way that the ramp inthe lowered position forms an angle between a ground plane, which angleis less than 15°.
 27. The loading module according to claim 25, whereinthe upper loading plate, when this is located in the upper position andthe ramp is located in the raised position, rests against at least oneprojection of the ramp.
 28. The loading module according to claim 27,wherein the loading module comprises a lock member, which is arranged toenable locking of the ramp at the upper loading plate when this islocated in the upper position and the ramp is located in the raisedposition.
 29. The loading module according to claim 24, wherein the rampcomprises two parallel longitudinal plate elements which extend from theforward end to the rear end and which are connected to each other bymeans of a plurality of transversal rods.
 30. The loading moduleaccording to claim 18, wherein each of the lower loading plate and thesecond upper loading plate comprises two parallel longitudinal plateelements which extend from the forward end to the rear end and which areconnected to each other by means of a plurality of transversal rods. 31.The loading module according claim 29, wherein the rods are provided ata distance from each other, which is at least 20 cm and at the most 60cm.
 32. The loading module according to claim 30, wherein eachlongitudinal plate element comprises a longitudinal outer beam, alongitudinal inner beam and a longitudinal plate between the outer beamand the inner beam, wherein the plate is lowered in relation to an upperend of the outer beam and the inner beam.
 33. The loading moduleaccording to claim 18, wherein the front device is fixedly attached tothe lower loading plate and extends upwardly from the forward end of thelower loading plate.
 34. The loading module according to claim 18,wherein the loading module is configured to be positioned on a trailertowed by a motor vehicle.
 35. The loading module according claim 30,wherein the rods are provided at a distance from each other, which is atleast 20 cm and at the most 60 cm.
 36. The loading module according toclaim 29, wherein each longitudinal plate element comprises alongitudinal outer beam, a longitudinal inner beam and a longitudinalplate between the outer beam and the inner beam, wherein the plate islowered in relation to an upper end of the outer beam and the innerbeam.